Weldless support beam for rack shelving

ABSTRACT

A shelving support member includes a unitary member of a bent sheet material and defining a support portion extending along an axis to a first end and a retention portion disposed at the first end of the support portion. The retention portion defines a base extending congruently with the support portion at least partially along the axis and to a first fold in the member. A reinforcement portion extends from the first fold along and in contact with the base. A first punched area is defined in an aligned manner through both the base and the reinforcement portion of the retention portion.

BACKGROUND

The present device generally relates to a support member for use in ashelving system. In particular, the support member includes ends thereofthat are reinforced for retaining the support member in the relatedsystem without the use of welding.

Rack-type shelving systems are used in heavy-duty storage scenarios.These types of shelving systems typically use elongated metal componentsthat are assembled together to give the resultant shelving units theirshape, mechanical support, and to position the associated shelves.Typically, these components are assembled at 90° angles that extendrelative to each other in various directions, depending on theparticular component. Variations of this shelving include componentsthat can be assembled together without separate fasteners or tools byuse of interlocking tabs, slots, and the like. Further, the componentsof these types of shelving are often fabricated from bent sheet materialor various extrusions, to give the desired strength at a reduced weightand cost compared to solid or cast materials.

Because of the structure of the assembled shelving units, in whichvarious components are relied upon in the assembly for providingstrength along the various axes, relatively thin materials can be usedwith profiles that generally resist bending along the lengths of thecomponents. However, in the areas where the components are assembledtogether, such thin material may not be able to withstand the loadsimparted thereon due to shelf loading or the like. Accordingly, couplingends of these components, particularly longer shelving support membersor beams, are often made of thicker material that is welded onto theends of the component. The additional material and components associatedwith this construction can add to manufacturing time and overall cost.Accordingly, further advances may be desired.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a shelving supportmember includes a unitary member of a bent sheet material and defining asupport portion extending along an axis to a first end and a retentionportion disposed at the first end of the support portion. The retentionportion defines a base extending congruently with the support portionalong the axis to a first fold in the member. A reinforcement portionextends from the first fold toward the first end of the support portionin contact with the base. A first punched area is defined in an alignedmanner through both the base and the reinforcement portion of theretention portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a shelving systemincludes a first vertical member and a shelf support beam. The shelfsupport beam includes a unitary member defining a support portionincluding sheet material extending along an axis from a first end and aretention portion disposed at the end of the support portion. Theretention portion defines a base extending congruently with the supportportion along the axis to a first fold in the member. A reinforcementportion extends oppositely from the base along the axis in contact withthe base. A first punched area is defined in an aligned manner throughboth the base and the reinforcement member of the retention portion. Theshelf support beam is coupleable with the first vertical member at theretention portion thereof such that the shelf support beam extendsperpendicularly from the first vertical member.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method formaking a shelving support member includes bending an extension tabextending from a support portion along an axis to a first end. Theextension tab initially extends along the axis beyond the first end ofthe support portion and is bent to form a first fold separating theextension tab into a base extending congruently with the support portionand a reinforcement portion extending oppositely from the base along theaxis in contact with the base. The method further includes forming afirst punched area in an aligned manner through both the base and thereinforcement member.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present devicewill be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the artupon studying the following specification, claims, and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelving support beam according to anaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shelving system including the shelvingsupport beam of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of the shelving support beam of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a top detail view of the shelving support beam of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective detail view of the shelving system of FIG. 2,including the shelving support beam of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective detail view of the shelving system of FIG. 2,including the shelving support beam of FIG. 1 in a step of assembly withan associated vertical member;

FIG. 7 is a perspective detail view of the shelving system of FIG. 2,including the shelving support beam of FIG. 1 in a subsequent step ofassembly with an associated vertical member;

FIG. 8 is bottom elevation detail view of a variation of a support beamshown in the assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative shelving support beamaccording to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a rear detail view of the shelving support beam of FIG. 9during a stage of assembly with an associated vertical member of ashelving system;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further alternative shelving supportbeam according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a rear detail view of the shelving support beam of FIG. 10during a stage of assembly with an associated vertical member of ashelving system; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further alternative shelving supportbeam according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it isto be understood that the device may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, reference numeral10 generally designates a shelving support member. Shelving supportmember 10 includes a unitary sheet material member 12 that is bent orotherwise formed to define a support portion 14 extending along an axis16 to a first end 18. Unitary member 12 further defines a retentionportion 20 disposed at the first end 18 of the support portion 14.Retention portion 20 further defines a base 22 extending congruentlywith the support portion 14 along the axis 16 to a first fold 24 inunitary member 12. A reinforcement portion 26 extends oppositely alongaxis 16 from the first fold 24 in contact with base 22. A first punchedarea 28 is defined in an aligned manner through both base 22 andreinforcement portion 26 of the retention portion 20.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the punched area 28 included in theretention portion 20 of the present embodiment is defined by a generallyU-shaped or C-shaped cut through both retention portion 20 andreinforcement portion 26. In particular, the cut defining punched area28 includes a first cut edge 72 and respective upper and lower 74 and 76cut edges extending away from first cut edge 72. In this manner, acoupling tab 78 can be formed integrally with retention portion 20 bybending the remaining portions of base 22 and reinforcement portion 26defined within punched area 28 along a folded edge 80 extending betweenends of cut edges 74 and 76 opposite cut edge 72. Further, coupling tab78 can be bent back toward reinforcement portion 26 such that at least aportion thereof extends generally parallel with reinforcement portion26. Coupling tab 78 can facilitate coupling of support member 10 with anassociated component of a shelving system 34 (FIG. 2), as discussedfurther below.

As shown in FIG. 4, coupling tab 78 includes a first portion 82extending integrally with reinforcement portion 26 and a second portion84 extending integrally with base 22. In this manner, the inclusion ofcoupling tab 78 integral with retention portion 20 can serve to at leastpartially secure reinforcement portion 26 against base 22 due to thepresence of folded edge 80 and the additional end of coupling tab 78itself (or at least increase the resistance of retention portion 20 frombeing un-bent at fold 24). Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, foldededge 80 can be angled with respect to, for example, first fold 24. Thisarrangement may further facilitate retention of reinforcement portion 26against base 22. By providing retention portion 20 with two materiallayers (base 22 and reinforcement portion 26) that together retaincoupling tab 78, support member 10 can be strengthened in the area ofconnection with a related vertical shelving member 32 (FIG. 2) withoutthe need for an additional welded component. Accordingly, support member10 can include a single sheet material comprising unitary member 12, asdescribed above, while providing desired strength in the area ofcoupling tab 78.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a shelving system 34 is illustrated thatincludes a number of support members 10 coupled with a set of fourvertical members 32. As illustrated, support members 10 can extendhorizontally between two respective vertical numbers 32 and can bearranged in horizontally-aligned pairs between respective sets of suchvertical members 32. In this arrangement, the horizontally-aligned pairsof support members 10 can support a shelf 33 thereon. As depicted,additional structural elements can extend perpendicularly to supportmembers 10 between adjacent vertical members 32 to fully retain system34 together. These structural elements can include, for example, braces35, shelf supports 37, additional braces, or the like. As further shownin FIG. 2, the vertical members 32 can include a plurality of slots 36arranged along a height thereof at regular intervals. Such slots 36 canbe spaced apart at intervals to allow for varied, user-selected spacingbetween the pairs of horizontally-aligned support members and,accordingly, the shelves supported thereon.

As further shown in FIGS. 5-7, the plurality of slots 36 included invertical member 32 can be shaped to receive coupling tab 78 therethroughby movement of support member 10 toward vertical member 32 in agenerally horizontal direction. Slots 36 can further provide aninterengaging arrangement, in which a portion of vertical member 32 iscaptured between reinforcement portion 26 and coupling tab 78 whensupport member 10 is moved in a generally vertical direction 70 alongvertical member 32. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, slots 36 are generallyangled to match the angle of folded edge 80 and may include a taperedportion 86 to a lower end thereof to guide a portion of vertical member32 between reinforcement portion 26 and coupling tab 78 during theabove-described vertical movement of support member 10 with respect tovertical member 32.

FIG. 8 shows another support member 11 that is shown in the assembledshelving system 34 of FIG. 2 along the top and bottom of the system 34in place of the beams 10 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and3-7. In particular, support member 11 includes a unitary sheet materialmember 13 defining a support portion 15 and retention portions 21 onopposite ends thereof, including first end 19. As illustrated, retentionportion 21 includes a two part-base including a first portion 23 a thatextends from support portion 15 along axis 17 and a second portion 23 bjoined with the first portion 23 a at a bend 25 a such that secondportion 23 b is approximately perpendicular to and extends away fromfirst portion 23 a. Fold 25 b is positioned along the end of second baseportion 23 b with reinforcement portion 27 extending therefrom backtoward first portion 23 a in a doubled-over manner similar toreinforcement portion 26 and base 22 of support member 10, discussedabove. As further shown in FIG. 8, a coupling tab 79 that is generallysimilar to coupling tab 78 is present within retention portion 21extending from a punched area 73 through second base portion 23 b andreinforcement portion 27. Coupling tab 79, accordingly, includesrespective portions 83 and 85 extending congruently from reinforcementportion 27 and second base portion 23 b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the positioning of coupling tab 79 along second baseportion 23 b and the associated reinforcement portion 27 can positioncoupling tab 79 so as to engage with one of the slots 36 positionedtoward the outside of the support member 11 (i.e. ones of slots 36 thatare perpendicular to those of slots 36 engaged by the coupling tabs 78of support members 10). This may be advantageous for the joining ofvertical members 32 in the locations in which support members 11 areillustrated, including for structural and assembly purposes. Further,variations of assembly 34 are possible with support members 11 in placeof one or all of the support members 10. Conversely, an assembly 34 withadditional ones of support members 10 in place of support members 11 isalso contemplated.

As discussed above, support member 10 comprises a bent or otherwiseformed structure of metal (such as steel, for example) sheet material.Accordingly, in a method of fabricating support member 10, a blank ofsheet material of metal having appropriate properties, and ofappropriate size for the particular support member 10 being fabricated,can be cut into a shape that can be bent and folded in the form shown inFIGS. 1, 3, and 4. Suitable materials may include galvanized orstainless steel, various aluminum alloys, or the like. In general, thecut form will include a two-dimensional shape with areas thereofcorresponding to vertical portion 48, upper flange 50, and lower flange52 of support portion 14, as well as areas for base 22 and reinforcementportion 26. The cut material may be formed using stamping, sawing, lasercutting, or the like.

Subsequently, the material can be bent to form upper flange 50 and lowerflange 52 of support portion 14, including by bending the designatedarea corresponding thereto with respect to vertical portion 48 such thatupper flange 50 and lower flange 52 extend inwardly away therefrom atthe desired angle (e.g., 90°). Additionally, if desired, shelf recess 54can be bent into upper flange 50. Subsequently, retention portion 20 canbe formed by bending the cut material along the desired area of firstfold 24 to define base 22 and reinforcement portion 26. Subsequently,the above-described punched area 28 can be formed through retentionportion 20 by stamping or punching of base 22 and reinforcement portion26 in a single operation, according to the various techniques describedabove. Coupling tab 78 can be defined within punched area 28 by formingfolded edge 80 between cut edge 74 and 76 by bending, stamping, or thelike, with coupling tab 78 being further shaped by bending or folding.In one embodiment, punched area 28 and coupling tab 78 can besimultaneously formed by a combined punching and stamping operation inwhich a single tool and die arrangement is used to form cut edges 72,74, and 76 in a single operation in which the portion of retentionportion 20 defined within cut edges 72, 74, and 76 is then bent todefine folded edge 80 and the desired shape of coupling tab 78. Supportmembers 11 can be fabricated in a similar manner, with an additionalfold 25 a being incorporated between respective portions 23 a and 23 b.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a variation of a support member 110 that isgenerally similar in some respects to support member 10 discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-7 is shown. Support member 110 includes ageneral structure, as described above, including a unitary sheetmaterial member 112 defining a support portion 114 and retentionportions 120 on opposite ends thereof, including first end 118. Asillustrated, retention portion 120 includes a base 122 having a firstfold 124 on an end thereof opposite support portion 114, such a fold 124joining base 122 with a reinforcement portion 126 extending generallytherealong in a doubled-over manner, thereby providing additionalsupport for retention portion 120 in the same manner as discussed above.

As further shown in FIG. 9, shelving support member 110 can include atleast one attachment rivet 130 coupled with the unitary member 112through the first punched area 128. In this manner, rivet 130 is securedthrough both base 122 and reinforcement portion 126, thusly helpingsecure reinforcement portion 126 in contact with base 122. Further,rivet 130 may be configured to a facilitate coupling between retentionportion 120 and a vertical support member 132, as part of a shelvingsystem 134 that is generally similar to that which is discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 2. Thusly, the doubling over of unitary member112 within retention portion 120 can provide beneficial additionalstructural strength. Particularly, in a similar manner to that which isdiscussed above, this reinforcement helps prevents deflection,weakening, or even rupture of retention portion 20 due to loadconcentration thereon due to the coupling and support provided by rivet130.

With additional reference to FIG. 10, the present embodiment of supportmember 110 is shown having a second punched area 138 beneath firstpunched area 128, second punched area 138 having a second attachmentrivet 140 extending therethrough to couple with both base 122 andreinforcement portion 126 of retention portion 120. This arrangement cangive additional support and stability for the coupling between retentionportion 120 and vertical member 132, and can also facilitate anarrangement in which support member 110 extends from vertical member 132in a generally horizontal manner (i.e. generally perpendicular tovertical member 132). As shown in FIG. 10, first rivet 130 and secondrivet 140 can be spaced apart vertically at an interval generally equalto an interval between slots 136 in vertical member 132. Thisarrangement can provide for an adjustment interval of support member 110that is equal to the spacing between first rivet 130 and second rivet140.

As further shown in FIG. 9, the present embodiment of support member 110can include a second fold 142 at an end of reinforcement portion 126opposite first fold 124, the second fold 142 positioning a stabilizertab 144 in a generally perpendicular relationship with reinforcementportion 126 and with base 122. Stabilizer tab 144 can provide additionalrigidity for retention portion 120. In particular, stabilizer tab 144can make retention portion 120 further resistant to bending along axis116.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, within support portion 114 support member110 can define a generally C-shaped cross-sectional profile 146. In sucha profile, support portion 114 can define a generally vertical midportion 148, from which base 122 extends congruently, as discussedabove. An upper flange 150 and a lower flange 152 can extend away fromvertical mid portion 148, thereby providing structural rigidity forsupport portion 114 and, further, providing an area 154 that is recessedto receive, for example, a substrate used to form the associated shelf(similar to shelf 33 in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 9, upper flange 150and lower flange 152 can define respective edges 156 and can be arrangedsuch that adjacent upper and lower edges 158, 160 of stabilizer tab 144extend, at least partially, therealong. As shown, this arrangement caninclude stabilizer tab 144 being inset with respect to upper flange 150and/or lower flange 152, which can help resist twisting or otherdeformation of support member 110, particularly at a junction betweensupport portion 114 and retention portion 120. It is to be understoodthat a second retention portion may be present along support member 110at an end of support portion 114 opposite first end 118, such secondretention portion 120 being generally a mirror-image of retentionportion 120 depicted in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 10, support member 110 can be assembled with respectivevertical members 132 in a shelving system that may be similar to thatwhich is described above with respect to FIG. 2. In particular, verticalmember 132 can include slots 136 appropriately sized and positioned toreceive and retain rivet 130 therein. As shown in FIG. 10, whenretention portion 120 is coupled with vertical member 132, reinforcementmember 126 generally contacts a first surface 162 of vertical member132. In some embodiments, stabilizer tab 144 may contact an edge 163 ofvertical member 132 adjacent to first surface 162. In other embodiments,a second surface of vertical member 132 may extend away from firstsurface 162 such that stabilizer tab 144 is in contact therewith whensupport member 110 is assembled with vertical member 132. In particular,In this manner, a lower portion 136 b of slot 136 can be generallynarrower than the upper portion thereof such that rivets 130 and 140,which can be generally T-shaped in a rotational cross section, cancapture a portion of vertical member 132 outside of slot 136 aftermovement thereof in the vertical direction 170. The relatively largerupper portion 136 a can allow rivets 130 and 140 to pass through andinto respective slots 136 during movement of support portion 120 towardvertical member 132.

Support member 110 can be fabricated in a manner generally similar tothat used in fabricating support member 10, described above with respectto FIGS. 1-7. Specifically, support member 110 can be bent into thegeneral shape shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, including support portion 114 andretention portion 120. In particular, the portion of the unitary sheetmaterial 112 within retention portion 120 can be bent along first fold124 to define base 122 extending congruently with support portion 114and reinforcement portion 126 extending back along axis 126 in contactwith base 120. Further, second fold 142 can be formed prior to formationof first fold 124, although the particular order may vary. Further, in avariation, retention portion 120 can be formed prior to formation ofsupport portion 114.

After the desired forming of the sheet material has been completed toform the unitary support member 110, first and second punched areas 128and 138 can be formed through retention portion 120, including bystamping or punching holes or the like through both base 122 andreinforcement portion 126, simultaneously. Alternatively, punched areas128 can be formed by cutting holes through retention portion 120 andreinforcement portion 26, including by laser cutting or the like.Subsequently, first rivet 130 and second rivet 140 can be coupled,respectively, with first punched area 128 and second punched area 138.Variations of support member 110 including additional or fewer rivets130 can be fabricated by a similar process with the desired number ofpunched areas and rivets being formed in and assembled with supportmember 110.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a further embodiment of a support member210 is shown that is, similar to support member 110, discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. Support member 210includes a general structure, as described above, including a unitarysheet material member 212 defining a support portion 214 and retentionportions 220 on opposite ends thereof, including first end 218. Asillustrated, retention portion 220 includes a base 222 having a firstfold 224 on an end thereof opposite support portion 214, such a fold 224joining base 222 with a reinforcement portion 226 extending generallytherealong in a doubled-over manner, thereby providing additionalsupport for retention portion 220 in the same manner as discussed above.A second fold 242 can define a stabilizer tab 244 generallyperpendicularly arranged with respect to reinforcement portion 226. Thisstabilizer tab 244 can extend along portions of an upper flange 250 anda lower flange 252 that extend inwardly from a vertical portion 248 ofsupport portion 214.

As further shown in FIG. 11, retention portion 220 includes a firstpunched area 228 and a second punched area 238 therein that extendthrough both base 222 and reinforcement portion 226. However, suchpunched areas 228 and 238 have generally rectangular shapes. As furthershown, retention tabs 266 a and 266 b can be respectively coupled withinfirst and second punched areas 228, 238 so as to extend generallyinwardly from retention portion 220 (i.e. in the same direction asstabilizer tab 244). Further, retention tabs 266 a, 266 b can each havea hooked or bent shape such that at least a portion thereof extendsgenerally in the direction of axis 216 so as to be spaced apart fromreinforcement portion 226.

As shown in FIG. 12, such a support member 210 can be used in connectionwith a related vertical member 232 of a shelving system that can begenerally similar to that which is described above with respect to FIG.2. Vertical member 232 may be adapted to receive both retention tabs 266a and 266 b in specifically-adapted slots 268 formed therein. Further,support member 210 can be coupled with vertical member 232 by movementof support member 210 in the vertical direction 270 indicated in FIG.12.

Tab slot 268 can be similarly configured with the respective upper 268 aand lower 268 b portions receiving retention tab 266 therethrough duringmovement of support member 210 in a horizontal direction toward verticalmember 232. Further, lower portion 168 b can be narrower such that aportion of vertical member 232 is captured between respective portionsof retention tabs 266 a and 266 b and reinforcement portion 226 aftermovement of support member 210 in the vertical direction 270. In thisarrangement, the narrower lower portion 268 b can be horizontally offsetwith respect to the upper portion, as opposed to being centered in thecase of slot 136, discussed above.

A method for fabricating support member can be generally similar to theabove-described method of fabricating support member 10 and supportmember 110. However, retention tabs 266 a and 266 b can be coupled withretention portion 220 as a separate element with the use of mechanicalfasteners, adhesives, welding, or the like. Alternatively, first andsecond punched areas 228 and 238 can be formed using a three-sided punchor cut through both base 222 and reinforcement portion 226 withretention tabs 266 a and 266 b being bent from respective portions ofbase 222 and reinforcement portion 226 and being defined within punchedareas 228 and 238 in a similar manner to that which is discussed abovewith respect to coupling tab 78.

A further variation of a support member 310 with a doubled overretention portion 320 is shown in FIG. 13. In such a variation, the base322 associated with retention portion 320 is joined with portion 314 byfirst fold 324 in the unitary shape material 312 such that base 322extends generally perpendicularly from support portion 314. Theassociated reinforcement portion 326 is then joined with base 322 by asecond fold 242 such that reinforcement portion 326 extends back alongbase 322 to generally align with first fold 324 and support portion 344.A plurality of punched areas 328, 338, can be formed within retentionportion 320, by cutting, punching, stamping, or the like through bothbase 322 and reinforcement portion 326, including through second fold342. Remaining portions of retention portion 320 outside of the punchedareas 328 and 228, including second fold 342 can, accordingly, defineretention hooks 388 and 390 that can engage with corresponding slots ina vertical member similar to vertical members 32, 132, and 232,discussed above.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described device and other components is not limitedto any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the devicedisclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unlessdescribed otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present device. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodimentsonly. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merelyfor illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of thedevice, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

1. A shelving support member, comprising: a unitary member of a formedsheet material and defining: a support portion defining a C-shaped crosssection of the sheet material and extending along an axis to a firstend; and a retention portion disposed at the first end of the supportportion and defining a base extending congruently with the supportportion at least partially along the axis, the base further extending toa first fold in the member, a reinforcement portion extending from thefirst fold along and in contact with at least a portion of the base;wherein a first punched area is defined in an aligned manner throughboth the base and the reinforcement portion of the retention portion. 2.The shelving support member of claim 1, further including a firstattachment rivet coupled with the unitary member through the firstpunched area.
 3. The shelving support member of claim 2, wherein asecond punched area is defined through both the base and thereinforcement member of the retention portion, the support memberfurther including a second attachment rivet coupled with the unitarymember through the second punched area.
 4. The shelving support memberof claim 2, wherein a second punched area is defined through both thebase and the reinforcement member of the retention portion, the supportmember further including a retention tab coupled with the unitary memberwithin the second punched area.
 5. The shelving support member of claim2, wherein the unitary member further defines a second fold at an end ofthe reinforcement portion opposite the first fold and an stabilizer tabextending from the second fold perpendicular to the axis.
 6. Theshelving support member of claim 5, wherein upper and lower flangeswithin the C-shaped cross section define respective edges extendingalong an upper and a lower edge of the stabilizer tab, respectively. 7.The shelving support member of claim 1, wherein the punched area isdefined by three cut edges and one folded edge, the folded edge joininga coupling tab with the retention portion.
 8. The shelving supportmember of claim 7, wherein the coupling tab includes a first portionextending congruently from the base and a second portion extendingcongruently from the reinforcement portion, the first and secondportions of the coupling tab contacting each other.
 9. A shelvingsystem, comprising: a first vertical member; and a shelf support beam,including: a unitary member defining: a support portion including sheetmaterial extending along an axis from a first end; and a retentionportion disposed at the end of the support portion and defining a baseextending congruently with the support portion and at least partiallyalong the axis, the base further extending to a first fold in theunitary member, a reinforcement portion extending oppositely from thefirst fold along and in contact with at least a portion of the base, afirst punched area being defined in an aligned manner through both thebase and the reinforcement member of the retention portion; wherein theshelf support beam is coupleable with the first vertical member at theretention portion thereof such that the shelf support beam extendsperpendicularly from the first vertical member.
 10. The shelving systemof claim 9, wherein: the shelf support beam further includes a firstattachment rivet coupled with the unitary member through the firstpunched area; and the vertical member includes at least one slot along aportion thereof, the slot receiving the attachment rivet to couple theshelf support beam to the vertical member.
 11. The shelving system ofclaim 10, wherein: a second punched area is defined through both thebase and the reinforcement member of the retention portion of the shelfsupport beam; and the shelf support beam further includes a secondattachment rivet coupled with the unitary member through the secondpunched area.
 12. The shelving system of claim 9, wherein: the unitarymember further defines a second fold at an end of the reinforcementportion opposite the first fold and an stabilizer tab extending from thesecond fold perpendicular to the reinforcement portion; thereinforcement portion is positionable along a first surface of the firstvertical member when the shelf support beam is coupled therewith; andthe stabilizer tab extends along an edge of the first vertical memberadjacent the first surface when the shelf support beam is coupledtherewith.
 13. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein the supportportion of the unitary member defines a C-shaped cross section of thesheet material, upper and lower flanges within the C-shaped crosssection defining respective edges extending along adjacent upper andlower edge of the stabilizer tab.
 14. The shelving system of claim 9,wherein: the first punched area is defined by three cut edges and onefolded edge, the folded edge joining a first coupling tab with theretention portion; and the vertical member includes at least one slotalong a portion thereof, the slot receiving the first coupling tab tocouple the shelf support beam to the vertical member.
 15. The shelvingsystem of claim 14, wherein a second punched area is defined in analigned manner through both the base and the reinforcement member of theretention portion, the second punched area being defined by three cuteedges and one folded edge, the folded edge joining a second coupling tabwith the retention portion.
 16. The shelving system of claim 14, whereinthe first coupling tab includes a first portion extending congruentlyfrom the base and a second portion extending congruently from thereinforcement portion, the first and second portions of the firstcoupling tab contacting each other.
 17. A method for making a shelvingsupport member, comprising: bending an extension tab extending from asupport portion, the support portion defining a C-shaped section ofsheet material and extending along an axis to a first end, and theextension tab initially extending along the axis beyond the first end ofthe support portion and being bent to form a first fold separating theextension tab into a base extending congruently with the support portionand a reinforcement portion extending oppositely from the first foldalong and in contact with at least a portion the base; and forming afirst punched area in an aligned manner through both the base and thereinforcement member.
 18. The method of claim 17, further includingcoupling an attachment rivet with the base and the reinforcement portionthrough the punched area.
 19. The method of claim 17, further includingsubsequently bending the reinforcement portion to form a second fold anddefining a stabilizer tab extending perpendicularly from thereinforcement portion and extending along respective upper and lowerflanges of the C-shaped cross section.
 20. The method of claim 17,wherein the punched area is formed through the base and thereinforcement member by forming three cut edges and folding respectivesections of both the base and the reinforcement member within the threecut edges into a coupling tab spaced from the reinforcement member andhaving a portion extending generally parallel thereto.